Phenotypic screening with target identification and validation in the discovery and development of E3 ligase modulators

Cell Chem Biol. 2021 Mar 18;28(3):283-299. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.011.

Abstract

The use of phenotypic screening was central to the discovery and development of novel thalidomide analogs, the IMiDs (immunomodulatory drugs) agents. With the discovery that these agents bind the E3 ligase, CRL4CRBN, and alter its substrate specificity, there has been a great deal of endeavor to discover other small molecules that can modulate alternative E3 ligases. Furthermore, the chemical properties necessary for drug discovery and the rules by which neo-substrates are selected for degradation are being defined in the context of phenotypic alterations in specific cellular systems. This review gives a detailed summary of these recent advances and the methodologies being exploited to understand the mechanism of action of emerging protein degradation therapies.

Keywords: E3 ligase modulators; drug discovery; phenotypic screening; targeted protein degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Development*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / chemistry
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Phenotype
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases